Tattoo Removal Laser Treatment

The Cutera enlighten™ laser uses picosecond pulses to break up tattoo pigments beyond regular Q-switched lasers, leading to more complete clearance of tattoos.

Tattoo Removal and discoloration Laser TREATMENT

Tattoos can be removed using our Cutera enlighten™ laser. Tattoo pigments are microscopic and thus need a "fast" (short pulse width) laser to be able to break up the pigment. The previous standard was Q-switched lasers which have short pulse widths in the nanosecond range. These lasers are able to heat up large tattoo pigment particles to break them apart easily. However, at higher energy levels the heating can increase the risk of damage to surrounding normal skin, which can then lead to burns, scars, and discoloration. Tattoos that are tough to remove (old faded ones) would not be easily removed by nanosecond range lasers without increasing the risk threshold of burns. Enter the next generation of tattoo removal lasers, picosecond lasers. These lasers have an even shorter pulse width than Q-switched lasers and break apart tattoo pigments by a photoacoustic (sound shockwave) mechanism. The result is less heating damage and less risk of scarring. The picosecond range is also able to target smaller tattoo pigmented particles in old faded tattoos. Our Cutera enlighten™ laser has both nanosecond and picosecond modes, first to break up large tattoo particles easily in the nanosecond mode and then to break up the finer tattoo particles in the picosecond mode. The end result is removal of tattoos with the minimal number of treatment sessions while maximizing safety.

The Cutera enlighten™ laser also has a PICO Genesis mode that removes discolored spots such as lentigos and melasma and remodels the upper layers of the skin leading to a brighter uniform complexion.